Ravichandran Ashwin, a former Indian all-rounder known as one of the best match analysts in the country, was very disappointed with India’s poor performance on Day 4 of the second Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. With South Africa already leading the match and the series, Ashwin was hoping India would come out with a new sense of determination. Instead, he saw a slow first session that dashed his expectations for a strong Indian rally.
Ashwin took to social media to vent his frustration. He talked about India’s lackluster body language along with a broken-heart emoji, which really shows he cares about the team. Actually, he’d hoped the team would put up more of a fight, especially when batting in the second innings. But what he saw on the field that day didn’t leave him feeling good. His disappointment was obvious, mainly since India is known for bouncing back when things get tough.
South Africa is really taking control of the Test match and the series. By tea on Day 4, they had increased their lead to a strong 395 runs, with a score of 107 for 3 in their second innings. Already ahead 1-0 in the series, the team is getting close to a big win in India, something they last did in 2000-01. With things going their way and enough time left, South Africa looks set to push India out of the game.
South Africa started the day at 26 for no loss. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton batted steadily, adding 59 runs together. India’s bowlers had trouble getting them out at first. Finally, Ravindra Jadeja broke through, getting Rickelton out lbw for 35, which included four fours.
Jadeja struck again, getting Markram out for 29 with a ball that slipped past his defenses. Soon after, Washington Sundar kept the pressure on, catching South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, for just three runs at leg slip. With the score at 77 for 3, India saw a chance to gain control. These wickets gave them hope of limiting South Africa’s lead, maybe even making the chase doable.
But Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs helped South Africa get back on top with a cool, unbroken 30-run partnership. De Zorzi attacked, ending up with 21 not out, including two fours and a six. Stubbs was really patient, scoring 14 off 56 balls. Because of them, South Africa made it to lunch without any more trouble and retook charge of the game.
South Africa had taken charge way before. Their huge 314-run lead in the first innings let them control the game. On Day 3, Marco Jansen, the left-arm pace all-rounder, bowled amazingly well, taking six wickets for 48 runs and getting India out for only 201. Even with such a big lead, the Proteas decided to bat again instead of making India follow on, wanting to set a target that India couldn’t possibly reach. Looking back, that choice seems spot on.
South Africa’s lead is almost 400 runs, and they still have two whole days left. It looks like they’re going to beat India at home, which doesn’t happen often. India would have to pull off an epic comeback in the fourth innings to stop South Africa from winning the match and the series. For Ashwin and a lot of Indian fans, it’s not just about the score. It’s that the team didn’t seem to care enough or play hard enough when they really needed to.
India has a big job now: get back on track, fix their attitude, and try to save face in a game that’s getting away from them fast.